LPHS students take home first place in Lone Peak Cinema ‘Shootout!’

BIG SKY – On April 8, Lone Peak Cinema showcased six short films from local skiers and snowboarders in their fifth annual Big Sky Shootout! film contest.

The 2017 screening kicked off with a Big Sky Resort production highlighting some impressive drone footage from this year’s season. With all the seats in the big theater filled, and some patrons sitting in the aisles, the anticipation to watch this year’s local productions was palpable.

The top three films were decided by an audience vote and each earned cash prizes for their efforts. All of the entries had the crowd applauding and laughing in equal measure, with a host of talented riders willing to take a humorous look at their favorite winter recreation.

Top prize went to five local high school students, who skipped their prom to attend the event, but donned their tuxedos nonetheless. Filmed by Ethan Shumacher and featuring Holden Samuels, Harrison Schreiner, Zach Cone and Cole March, the fan favorite blended big drops, huge air and a trip back in time in their “Dirt Bag Time Machine.” A cameo from the legendary skier Scot Schmidt was a nice touch, but the LPHS students’ big lines and self-deprecating humor were the highlights of the winning entry.

Second place went to Chris Kamman of SkyLab Media House’s “Form of a Champion,” which chronicled a fictional fastest-time-down-the-mountain. With plenty of hilarious footage of Dan Greene and Tim Chamberlain going full tuck, the crowd could barely stop laughing at the french-fry technique taken to the extreme.

Third place was clinched by “Ski Bois,” an alpine rap video complete with stacks of cash, champagne, luxury cars and enough crashes in the terrain park for a full-length feature.

Teams of five or less had the last week of March to film their maximum 12-minute submissions within the boundaries of Big Sky Resort. Each team then had the first the week of April to edit and submit their projects.

After the showing, local duo Waylon MacNaughton and Kelsey Rice of StayKation performed reggae and hip-hop inspired music while most in attendance stuck around to talk about their favorite entries, dance, and wait to hear the results.

Get your tickets early next year. Given the quality of submissions this year, it’s safe to say that this is one event that will continue to gain in popularity.